Is My Car Ready For a Road Trip?

Road trips are a relatively inexpensive way to take a vacation with the whole family. You can take your time, visit places on your bucket list, and share the best of America with your kids. Whether you're visiting relatives who live elsewhere in Massachusetts, going to national parks, or have always wanted to see California, there's something in the U.S. for everyone.

But there are things to do before your trip to make sure there will be no problems with your car. If you didn't know that your battery was ready to fail, your tires are almost bald, or your brakes need repair, a road trip can be a recipe for disaster.

If you've you ever wondered whether your car is ready for a road trip, below are some things to do to avoid problems and reduce the stress of long hours on the road.

Follow this checklist to ensure a safe and happy trip. These simple maintenance items may keep you from breaking down and heading to the next destination.

How Can the Baker Cadillac Service Center in Leominster Help?

We'll check your wiper blades and fluid levels, and we will change your oil and filter, if it's time for an oil change. We'll take a look at your hoses to make sure they're all in good condition, and we'll inspect your belts and adjust or replace them, if necessary. We'll test your headlights, taillights and parking lights, and replace any that are out.

We will test your car battery to make sure it has plenty of life left and that your terminals are clean. If there's any problem with your battery, we will replace it with a new one so you don't turn your ignition key only to find your car won't start.

In our road-trip process, we'll inspect your tires to make sure they have enough tread and don't have any other signs of damage.

We'll fill your tires to the correct pressure so your car handles its best and you get the best gas mileage. We'll also make sure that your spare is fully inflated. There's nothing worse than getting a flat and finding that your spare's flat too.

If your tires are worn and need to be replaced, we have a great selection of quality replacement tires for cars, trucks and SUVs, and we offer competitive prices and expert installation.

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on your car. Keep your family safe. Let us inspect your brake pads, rotors and calipers, and adjust or replace any worn parts.

If you need a more complete tune up, we can do all the car maintenance you need.

These are some of the most common things that we do for our customers before they leave on a road trip. At the very least, this will make your car more efficient and keep you from breaking down.

Here Are Some Other Things You Should Do

First, don’t overload your car and make sure it's not top-heavy. It's tempting to have all your stuff with you when you travel, but remember not to exceed your maximum load capacity. The heavier the car, the worse your gas mileage. Excess weight can also make it more difficult to handle your car in an emergency.

Remember to pack your first-aid kit and emergency supplies. Make sure to have a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, and some basic tools. Bring fresh drinking water and extra food, just in case. No matter what happens, you'll be prepared.

Make sure to keep plenty of gas in the tank and plan regular stops for meals and bathroom breaks, so everyone stays comfortable…and no one gets cranky. Even if you just stop for a picnic, breaking up the trip will make it more enjoyable.

For a more stress-free road trip, factor in traffic and don't overreact to it when there is a backup. If you add time for traffic and don't worry about it, you'll have a more pleasant trip. If you do hit traffic, a GPS with the traffic feature enabled may help you find a faster, alternate route.

But remember that having your car in good running condition is the first, most important thing to do before you hit the road.

If there's anything we can do, an oil change, wiper blades, fluids, a brake inspection, or anything else, just give us a call at (978) 534-6566. We want you to be as safe and problem-free as possible so you can enjoy your vacation.

Here are the most common questions people ask us:

How do I know if my car can make a long trip?

How should I prepare my car for a long road trip?

Can you give me a car checklist before a long road trip?

We've got answers to these questions and more. Why not schedule a service appointment and ask us yourself? Or if you're looking for a great car or SUV for a road trip, we can make some great recommendations depending on what you need. All you need to do is ask. We're happy to help.